Handicap Van Options Make Transit Easy

Posted on May 1, 2013February 25, 2022 by DealerPeak

Handicap Van Options Make Transit Easy

What Can These Options Do For You?

New or used handicap vans are the main means of transportation for people with disabilities. They can compensate for most disabilities while providing comfort with the available options. Depending on your disability, you can choose which options would best fit your needs.

Here’s a list of customized options. These options will make commuting easier and more comfortable for you and your family.

The Options:

The main options for additional handicap van equipment include; Bruno Valet, portable ramps, hand controls, driving aids, lifts, jump seats, wheelchair tie-downs, transfer seats and platform carriers. Here’s a description of each:

• Driving Aids: Driving aids include pedal extensions, wheelchair pulleys and sensors to help drivers maneuver safely.
• BraunAbility Turny Evo: A Turny Evo seat allows someone with limited mobility to get in and out of their vehicle with very little effort and strain.
• Lifts and Scooter Carriers: Lifts and mobility scooter carriers are probably one of the most useful options for a handicap vans and other accessible vehicles. Lifts and platform carriers for a van can be mounted internally or externally. They can lift a person in a wheelchair in and out of the car or store a mobility scooter during a commute.
• Wheelchair Tie Downs: wheelchair tie-downs can be installed into the floor of a handicap van to secure wheelchairs during transit.
• Hand Controls: In the instance of someone who has limited or no use of their legs, that person can have hand controls installed into their steering column so they can operate their vehicle.
• Transfer Seats: A transfer seat works just like a lift and platform carrier. It can lift a wheelchair into a handicap van.

Understanding all of these options will make customizing your handicap van an easier process. Click here for additional buying tips.

How to Maintain Your Wheelchair Van’s Resale and Trade-In Value

Posted on December 13, 2012February 10, 2022 by DealerPeak

How to Maintain Your Wheelchair Van’s Resale and Trade-In Value

Tips To Maintain Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle’s Value

Chances are that you’ll probably want a new wheelchair van at some point. Wear and tear to your current vehicle, changing accessibility needs or preferences, grants or a higher budget, a search for better gas mileage, or any number of factors may leave you ready for a new accessible van. When the time comes, the resale or trade-in value of your old vehicle helps offset the cost of the new purchase.

Savvy owners protect their vehicle’s worth. They’re usually rewarded for their diligence at resale or trade-in time. Below are some tips for maintaining value over the long term.

Protect Your Wheelchair Van’s Appearance

How the interior and exterior of your wheelchair van look at resale or trade-in time matters. Guard against damage. Have your vehicle regularly washed and waxed to protect it against damage from the elements. Stay on top of interior cleanings, too. Have your van’s exterior and interior detailed periodically. Save receipts from these services. At resale or trade-in time, a clear record of diligent care adds value.

Don’t smoke in your van; the smell detracts from value, and you’re likely to burn holes somewhere eventually. Avoid eating and drinking inside to prevent spills and stains. At the very least, skip the fruit punch and stick to water. Investing in seat covers. Store your van in the garage if you have one, and park in the shade whenever possible. Over time, sun can fade finishes, crack vinyl dashboards and cause other damage. Drive carefully to reduce the risk of accidents.

Even with steady care, you may need services at resale or trade-in time. A thorough cleaning, inside and out, and a fresh coat of wax help make your van look its best. If the paint is faded, or if there are scratches, dings, chips or other damage, get your van professionally restored and newly painted.

Keep Your Handicap Van Working Well

Depending on your driving habits, having a Superior Service Conversion check-up every 3-6 months is critical to ensure your ramp, door and kneel systems work properly, especially during change of seasons and climates. If you drive everyday to work, to school, etc., every 3 months is recommended. If your van is primarily used for doctors visits and errands, every 6-12 months is sufficient. During a conversion check-up, all electrical connections are checked, as well as the operation of the ramp, door, and kneel systems. An added bonus is that we paint the ramp to freshen up its look as well! Be sure to check our latest newsletter for service coupons as well.

Treat your handicap van well while driving to protect operations and maintain resale and trade-in value. Avoid heavy stopping and starting and riding the brakes. Driving at high speeds takes a toll over time. Stick to paved, well-maintained roads whenever possible. Try not to add unnecessary mileage.

Get regular maintenance services, following the schedule in your owner’s manual. Tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, fluids checks and other essential inspections and services keep your van performing at its best and help prevent serious damage (and more costly repairs). These services are one of the most important steps in maintaining value. As with cleanings, save receipts from every maintenance service. They provide evidence of care at resale or trade-in time.

If you would like to schedule routine maintenance, visit our service page for more details.

Cold Weather Advice For Wheelchair Vans

Posted on December 6, 2012February 10, 2022 by DealerPeak

Cold Weather Tips For Wheelchair Vans

First, Don't Panic!!!

When inclement weather sets in, you have to pay special attention to certain parts of wheelchair vans. This is just as true in the winter as in the summer. Low temperatures, snow, wet or icy roads and other cold-weather concerns affect vehicle performance. They also make driving difficult and dangerous. Follow some basic cold weather care advice for your van to help prevent vehicle damage and accidents.

Tire Tips for Wheelchair Vans in Cold Weather

Properly inflated tires are essential to maintaining control of your vehicle. Check the tire pressure every week or two, or have someone do it for you if you can’t. Inspect tire tread, too. If you have normal tires, make sure the tread isn’t worn down to less than 2/32 of an inch; if you have snow tires, make sure it’s not worn down below 5/32 of an inch. If the tread on any tire is this worn down, it’s time for a replacement.

Cooling System Tips for Wheelchair Vans in Cold Weather

Replace antifreeze at least once every two years. Even if levels are still acceptable, the chemical balance of the antifreeze probably isn’t right anymore. If you don’t know when yours was last changed, have it done at the start of the winter. Also have your thermostat, water pumps, and radiator checked. Hoses and belts should be inspected for wear and cracks. Replace your radiator cap at the beginning of cold weather, too. Seek repairs at the first sign of problems with your heater or defrosters.

Other Cold Weather Tips for Wheelchair Vans

Have your oil changed when winter arrives. Use the lowest recommended oil grade. This is identified in your owner’s manual. Particularly cold weather diminishes a battery’s charge and ability to crank the vehicle’s engine. Get a battery test and have the battery fluids measured. If your battery is at least three or four years old, replace it.

When it’s really cold out, turn the electricity on in wheelchair vans first and wait 30 seconds before starting the engine. Also, keep your gas tank at least half full during the winter to prevent frozen gas lines. Don’t forget to keep some rock salt and an ice scraper in your van. Never use windshield wipers on frost or ice, as this easily damages them.

Visit our service page for more information or to schedule an appointment today!

Tag: handicap van